PARKINGEnter at the main entrance to G.T. Bray Park and use the parking lots off the main road near the restrooms, soccer fields, and tennis courts. The race starts in front of the G.T. Bray main entrance sign (just off of 51st St W). Packet pick up is a short walk north of parking/restrooms. Overflow parking is at the Colonial Baptist Church, but DO NOT jump the fence.

DIRECTIONS

From I-75: Take exit 220 and go west on SR 64/Manatee Ave to 51st Street West. Take a left onto 51st St W and continue south, then take a right into the G.T. Bray Park main entrance (south of the Colonial Baptist Church and 51st St W Park entrance). Park in the G.T. Bray parking lots near the soccer fields, restrooms, and tennis courts. Packet pick up and registration are at the 51st St W Park entrance just north of the parking areas. If parking lots are full, please use the overflow parking at the church.

Other: From US 301 or US 41 - get to SR 64/Manatee Ave, head west to 51st St W, then follow the above.

Important Dates and Information:-Discounts for registering early!-All mail in entries must be received by August 26, 2014.
-Online registration closes Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 11:59 p.m.
-If you registered online at active.com you may transfer to a different category or transfer your entry to someone else by August 28, 2014. Just log in at active.com and you handle this yourself.
-Everyone (all ages) in 5K will be $40 on race day. No discounts on race day. 1K will be $20 on race day.

REFUND POLICY: There are no refunds, transfers or credits, as this is a fundraiser with proceeds being distributed to non-profit organizations. In addition, all the costs to put on the event, which are substantial, have already been spent.

EVENT SHIRTS: Unique designs every year make this a highly sought after race shirt. Canes Classic shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered participants. We do run out every year on race day, so please PRE-REGISTER!

DONATIONS: Your donations help the Manatee High Cross Country team to continue putting on this great Labor Day tradition. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will directly benefit the Canes Classic participants by way of better quality race shirts, amenities, more giveaways and refreshments. Click here for details.

In the past MHS Cross Country has donated hundreds of dollars to Save the Manatee Club’s Emergency Rescue Fund for manatee rescue and recovery from the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf and the Monson Tornado Relief fund. The Canes Classic is our team's only fundraiser so in addition to funding our team transportation, meet entry fees, uniforms, etc., we choose a charity to support.

THE COURSE:The Canes Classic is a 5K race and new 1K fun run/walk held on Manatee High School’s home Cross Country course at the G.T. Bray 51st St W Park. Grass, dirt, asphalt, and trails make up a scenic run through and around the shady 51st Street West Park. A FLAT, FAST COURSE TO SET A NEW PR!!!COURSE MAP

NEW 1K race all on the 51st Street Park trails. It is our mission to help fight childhood obesity through the very inexpensive and super healthy sport of running! We have kept our new 1K race distance affordable for all ages, have added youth size shirts, and hope this will increase our youth participation at the Canes Cross Country Classic. The 1K distance (1000 meters or 0.62 miles) is a very manageable distance for kids of all ages. Be part of this Labor Day tradition!

SAFETY GUIDELINES:Insurance does not cover the following, therefore they are not allowed: headphones or radio headsets, strollers or baby joggers, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, & animals. NO STROLLERS OR BABY JOGGERS! This is a cross country race with uneven terrain and narrow trails. Safety first!

A huge THANK YOU to our Canes Classic Sponsors! Scroll down below sponsors to view results and photos.

Interested in marketing your business at one of the best 5K races in Manatee County? The Canes Classic is steeped in tradition as the oldest race in Manatee County featuring loyal participants, spectators, and volunteers who return each year to celebrate Labor Day and participate in the official "kick off" race of the fall racing season. It's tradition! The Canes Classic has been around longer than any other race in Manatee County. You will reach hundreds of fitness minded individuals and hundreds of high school runners and their families. Canes Classic shirts are the most frequently worn race shirts...seen all around the state of Florida and beyond! They are seen at other races, track meets, cross country meets, and more! Your sponsorship helps a great cause. Click here for sponsorship details.